Taxonomy, Morphology, Masticatory Function and Phylogeny of Heterodontosaurid Dinosaurs

Taxonomy, Morphology, Masticatory Function and Phylogeny of Heterodontosaurid Dinosaurs
Author: Paul C. Sereno
Publisher: PenSoft Publishers LTD
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2012-10-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9546426520

This major study on heterodontosaurid dinosaurs is the first to review the taxonomy, morphology, functional anatomy, and phylogeny of this important early radiation of small-bodied herbivores. Heterodontosaurids persisted for approximately 100 My, from Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous time, during which they evolved some of the most sophisticated dentitions for processing plant materials. Some species required reevaluation to establish unequivocally their status as heterodontosaurids, such as Echinodon from rocks in southern England, one of the first and smallest dinosaurs ever described. Tianyulong from northern China is described in more detail in the study and is shown to have unusual skeletal proportions, including a relatively large skull and very short forelimb. A new taxon, Pegomastax africanus gen. n. sp. n., is described from southern Africa with a short parrot-shaped bill. Tooth replacement and tooth-to-tooth wear is more common than previously thought among heterodontosaurids, which the author argues are herbivores despite their prominent caniniform teeth. Heterodontosaurds appear to have split early in their history into a northern group with primitive, subtriangular crowns and a southern group with deeper crown proportions.

Biodiversity of Angola

Biodiversity of Angola
Author: Brian J. Huntley
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 552
Release: 2019-02-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030030830

This open access multi-authored book presents a 'state of the science' synthesis of knowledge on the biodiversity of Angola, based on sources in peer-reviewed journals, in books and where appropriate, unpublished official reports. The book identifies Angola as one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa, but notes that its fauna, flora, habitats and the processes that drive the dynamics of its ecosystems are still very poorly researched and documented. This 'state of the science' synthesis is for the use of all students of Angola's biodiversity, and for those responsible for the planning, development and sustainable management of the country's living resources. The volume brings together the results of expeditions and research undertaken in Angola since the late eighteenth century, with emphasis on work conducted in the four decades since Angola's independence in 1975. The individual chapters have been written by leaders in their fields, and reviewed by peers familiar with the region.

Amniote Paleobiology

Amniote Paleobiology
Author: Matthew T. Carrano
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 554
Release: 2006-08
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0226094782

Living amniotes—including all mammals, birds, crocodilians, snakes, and turtles—comprise an extraordinarily varied array of more than 21,000 species. Found in every major habitat on earth, they possess a truly remarkable range of morphological, ecological, and behavioral adaptations. The fossil record of amniotes extends back three hundred million years and reveals much about modern biological diversity of form and function. A collaborative effort of twenty-four researchers, Amniote Paleobiology presents thirteen new and important scientific perspectives on the evolution and biology of this familiar group. It includes new discoveries of dinosaurs and primitive relatives of mammals; studies of mammalian chewing and locomotion; and examinations of the evolutionary process in plesiosaurs, mammals, and dinosaurs. Emphasizing the rich variety of analytical techniques available to vertebrate paleontologists—from traditional description to multivariate morphometrics and complex three-dimensional kinematics—Amniote Paleobiology seeks to understand how species are related to each other and what these relationships reveal about changes in anatomy and function over time. A timely synthesis of modern contributions to the field of evolutionary studies, Amniote Paleobiology furthers our understanding of this diverse group.

In Pursuit of Early Mammals

In Pursuit of Early Mammals
Author: Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2013-07-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0253008247

“Mesozoic mammal fossils are the focus of this fascinating book, which reviews both the fossils themselves and the history of their discovery.” —Choice In Pursuit of Early Mammals presents the history of the mammals that lived during the Mesozoic era, the time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, and describes their origins, anatomy, systematics, paleobiology, and distribution. It also tells the story of the author, a world-renowned specialist on these animals, and the other prominent paleontologists who have studied them. Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska was the first woman to lead large-scale paleontological expeditions, including eight to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, which brought back important collections of dinosaur, early mammal, and other fossils. She shares the difficulties and pleasures encountered in finding rare fossils and describes the changing views on early mammals made possible by these discoveries. “A thorough review of the current state of early mammalian paleontology presented through the unique historical filter of someone who was at the foremost of the field for over half a century.” —The Quarterly Review of Biology “Whether she’s talking about how mammals evolved their distinctive ear bones, or how she built a cabin out of plywood during a particularly cold field season in the Gobi, you know that a remarkable, passionate person is telling a story of science and adventure in her own words.” —Priscum “A fascinating window into the development of the field . . . The perspective of an individual at the center of these developments is captivating, informative, and has never before been published.” —Gregory P. Wilson, University of Washington

Dinosaur Paleobiology

Dinosaur Paleobiology
Author: Stephen L. Brusatte
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2012-04-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0470656581

The study of dinosaurs has been experiencing a remarkable renaissance over the past few decades. Scientific understanding of dinosaur anatomy, biology, and evolution has advanced to such a degree that paleontologists often know more about 100-million-year-old dinosaurs than many species of living organisms. This book provides a contemporary review of dinosaur science intended for students, researchers, and dinosaur enthusiasts. It reviews the latest knowledge on dinosaur anatomy and phylogeny, how dinosaurs functioned as living animals, and the grand narrative of dinosaur evolution across the Mesozoic. A particular focus is on the fossil evidence and explicit methods that allow paleontologists to study dinosaurs in rigorous detail. Scientific knowledge of dinosaur biology and evolution is shifting fast, and this book aims to summarize current understanding of dinosaur science in a technical, but accessible, style, supplemented with vivid photographs and illustrations. The Topics in Paleobiology Series is published in collaboration with the Palaeontological Association, and is edited by Professor Mike Benton, University of Bristol. Books in the series provide a summary of the current state of knowledge, a trusted route into the primary literature, and will act as pointers for future directions for research. As well as volumes on individual groups, the series will also deal with topics that have a cross-cutting relevance, such as the evolution of significant ecosystems, particular key times and events in the history of life, climate change, and the application of a new techniques such as molecular palaeontology. The books are written by leading international experts and will be pitched at a level suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in both the paleontological and biological sciences. Additional resources for this book can be found at: http://www.wiley.com/go/brusatte/dinosaurpaleobiology.

Early Evolutionary History of the Synapsida

Early Evolutionary History of the Synapsida
Author: Christian F. Kammerer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2013-09-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400768419

Non-mammalian synapsids were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates from the Late Carboniferous to the Middle Triassic and play a key role in understanding the origin and evolution of mammals. Despite these facts and the outstanding fossil record of the group, early synapsids remain obscure. This book showcases the full breadth of contemporary research on non-mammalian synapsids, ranging from taxonomy and phylogenetics to functional morphology, biogeography, paleoecology, and patterns of diversity. It also underscores the importance and potential of studying non-mammalian synapsid paleobiology in its own right, not just in the context of mammalian evolution.​